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Ranking top 10 players in college basketball for conference tournaments

College basketball is back to being dominated by true freshmen.

Before former Duke forward Cooper Flagg won the Wooden Award in 2025, an upperclassman had earned the honor in six consecutive seasons. Fellow Duke forward Zion Williamson was the last true freshman national player of the year before Flagg, which was in 2018-19.

March Madness predictions: 13 teams who can win men's tournament

The 2025-26 freshman class in college basketball has been dominant again this season and appears well on its way to producing another young Wooden Award winner. The 2026 NBA Draft class appears to be stacked as a result.

Many teams are relying on young players heading into conference championship week, where NCAA Tournament seeding is on the line.

Here's a look at the top-10 ranked players in men's college basketball heading into conference tournaments:

Ranking top 10 players in men's college basketball

1. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU

AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars runs across the court during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on January 17, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas.

Dybantsa is already a pro-level scorer, as he leads the country averaging 25.1 points per game on wild efficiency, shooting 53.2% from the field.

The 6-9 forward has taken his game to another level since Richie Saunders suffered a season-ending injury for BYU. Dybantsa has scored 29 or more points in his last three outings since Saunders went down, including a 35-point performance in BYU's loss to Arizona and a near-triple double in a win over Iowa State.

Dybantsa is making a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and has faced tougher competition this season than Cameron Boozer in the Big 12, giving him the nod for now.

2. F Cameron Boozer, Duke

It was a close call between Duke forward Cameron Boozer and Dybantsa, but it doesn't diminish Boozer's chances of being the national player of the year this season.

Boozer is putting up similarly efficient numbers this season, averaging 22.7 points with 10.7 rebounds and four assists per game on 58.3% shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward is also shooting 40.8% from 3-point range and averaging 1.7 steals per contest, making him maybe the most well-rounded player nationally right now.

3. G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

John Calipari continues to churn out high-level true freshman guards, and Darius Acuff Jr. is the latest. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 22.2 points with 3.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season on 49.9% shooting and is leading an offense that ranks fourth nationally in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency.

Acuff Jr. had one of the best performances in recent memory – albeit in a loss – against Alabama, dropping 49 points with five rebounds and five assists on 16-of-27 shooting in the double-overtime game. He has scored 20 or more points in nine consecutive games and in 12 of the Razorbacks' 15 SEC games.

4. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas

Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, among the favorites to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft along with Dybantsa, comes in at No. 4 only because of his availability at times this season.

While Peterson played 30 or more minutes in back-to-back games for only the third time this season in Kansas' latest games against Cincinnati and Houston, he has missed 11 total games and a ton of minutes for the Jayhawks as he has dealt with a myriad of injuries and cramps. His talent is clear when he's on the court, though.

The 6-6 guard is averaging 19.5 points per game this season despite playing limited minutes in numerous games. He scored 26 points in only 23 minutes against Baylor and dropped 32 on TCU in an overtime win despite playing 32 minutes.

5. F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines dribbles past Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 27, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois.

UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg can do a bit of everything for Michigan, perhaps the national championship favorite.

The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 14.2 points with 7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season on 49.6% shooting, and also chips in 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest. He can also handle the ball and limits fouls and turnovers, averaging fewer than two each per game.

Lendeborg was one of the top available transfers in the offseason, and he has played like it for the Wolverines.

6. G Braden Smith, Purdue

Four-year Purdue starting guard Braden Smith might not be in contention for national player of the year anymore like he was entering the season, but he's still among the best and most-experience players in college basketball.

Smith needs 72 assists to break Bobby Hurley's all-time assists record of 1,076, which was set from 1990-93. He became the fifth player to ever reach 1,000 career assists in Purdue's loss to Michigan State on Feb. 26.

Smith is averaging 14.8 points with 3.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game this season and is also shooting 40.5% from 3-point range on 4.3 attempts. He'll be very important to Purdue's chances at an NCAA Tournament run.

7. F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

The fifth true freshman on this list, Caleb Wilson will also hear his name called early in the 2026 NBA Draft after a strong first college season. The 6-10 forward is averaging 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season on 57.8% shooting.

Wilson had scored 20 or more points in five of his past six games before fracturing his wrist against Miami on Feb. 10, although he expects to return for North Carolina's final regular season game against Duke on March 7.

If Wilson looks like himself upon returning, he'd give North Carolina a massive boost.

8. G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

Christian Anderson scored 22 points in Texas Tech's Sweet 16 win over Arkansas last season as a true freshman, offering a glimpse into his future. He has made a huge jump this season, averaging 19.6 points with 3.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game his season on 49% shooting and a 43.9% mark from 3-point range.

Unfortunately for Texas Tech, star forward JT Toppin suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Red Raiders' loss to Arizona State on Feb. 17. Anderson has picked up the slack since, though, scoring 21 points with 10 assists in a win over Kansas State before pouring in 21 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists in a win over Cincinnati.

Losing Toppin lowers Texas Tech's ceiling in March Madness, unless Anderson has yet another level to his game.

9. Labaron Philon, Alabama

Like Anderson, Philon was a solid player at Alabama last season as a true freshman, but has taken his game up a notch in 2026.

The 6-3 sophomore became Alabama's go-to scorer this season after Mark Sears left, averaging 21.6 points with 3.3 rebounds and five assists per game. The projected lottery pick also improved his 3-point percentage from 31.5% a year ago to 38.7% this season.

Alabama and coach Nate Oats run a high-tempo offense that keeps defenses on their heels. Philon is a hot streak away from leading the Crimson Tide on another run in March Madness.

10. F Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State

Joshua Jefferson started his career at St. Mary's before transferring to Iowa State, where he has turned into one of the more underrated players in college basketball. The 6-9 senior does a bit of everything for national championship contender Iowa State, averaging 16.6 points with 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

The Cyclones' offense runs through Jefferson, one of the best passing big men this season. He can also shoot, with a 36.1% mark from 3-point range on three attempts per game.

Jefferson sneaks into the top-10 rankings over a slew of other worthy players, thanks to his wide-ranging impact on one of the nation's best teams this season.

  • Just missed list: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa), Kingston Flemings (Houston), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State), Keyshawn Hall (Auburn), Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball's top 10 players before conference tournaments

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March Madness bracket projection: Which teams could fight for No. 1 seed?

The anticipation and build-up for March Madness continues to grow with just under two weeks until Selection Sunday arrives. In the meantime, however, a few bracket pieces need to be settled.

In addition to who might make it into the 68-team field off the bubble, one of the more frequent topics of discussion heading into the final week of the regular season (yes, some mid-major tournaments get underway this week) is who will join Duke, Arizona and Michigan on the 1-seed line.

One game that could decide that takes place in Tucson, Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center between No. 2 Arizona and No. 5 Iowa State at 9 p.m. ET.

REQUIRED READING: March Madness predictions: 13 teams who can win men's tournament

The Cyclones, led by a big three of Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey, are one of several teams who remain in the mix for the 1-seed line, despite their recent losses to BYU and Texas Tech setting their chances back a bit for their first 1-seed in program history.

But with time starting to run out, Iowa State isn't the only team looking for that final 1-seed spot.

Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports' predictions for which teams can challenge for the final spot on the 1-seed line for the NCAA Tournament:

March Madness bracket projections: Who could be final No. 1 seed?

UConn

  • NET ranking: No. 9
  • Quad 1 record: 8-2

UConn kept its chances of keeping its spot on the 1-seed line intact — if not bolstered — with its colossal win over St. John's last Wednesday, where the Huskies defense looked to be back on track after leaking some oil in recent weeks.

The Huskies have an impressive 8-2 Quad 1 record despite not having many opportunities to get those wins in the Big East, which has been down this year compared to past seasons. They hold wins over projected NCAA Tournament teams in BYU, Illinois, Florida, Texas and Kansas in the non-conference schedule, with the latter coming on the road at Allen Fieldhouse, which is known to be one of college basketball’s toughest environments.

UConn is looking for its third national title under Dan Hurley in the last four NCAA Tournaments, and man, they really could pull it off with this roster of Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr., Silas Demary, Braylon Mullens and Solo Ball.

Florida

  • NET ranking: No. 4
  • Quad 1 record: 11-5

A No. 1 seed looked out of reach for the Gators after not picking up a ranked win in non-conference play, and then again when they lost by nine points to unranked Auburn, which now finds itself on the bubble and a First Four candidate. However, that loss to the Tigers seemed to be a catalyst for Todd Golden's squad, as they've won 10 consecutive games, with three coming against ranked opponents in Alabama, Kentucky and Arkansas.

To find itself on the 1-line, Florida will likely still have to win the entire SEC tournament, even with a strong No. 4 NET ranking and the third most Quad 1 wins in the country at nine.

Purdue

  • NET ranking: No. 8
  • Quad 1 record: 8-5

Purdue entered the week seen as one of the closest competitors to UConn for the final 1-seed, according to Bart Torvik's TourneyCast. The statistical website had the Boilermakers with a 13.4% chance of getting the 1-seed and a 100% chance of the 2-seed entering Sunday.

However, after a 0-2 week against Michigan State and Ohio State, the latter of which was on the bubble, the Boilermakers' chances and case for the 1-seed now hang in limbo. Their eight Quad 1 wins are tied for the fifth most in the country.

Purdue, led by Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, has an opportunity to salvage its underwhelming week against Wisconsin at home to end the regular season next Sunday. Should the Boilermakers beat the Badgers and make a run in the Big Ten tournament, they could find themselves back in there with giving UConn a run for its money at the 1-seed.

Illinois

  • NET ranking: No. 5
  • Quad 1 record: 8-5

Illinois hasn't been seeded on the 1-seed line since the 2021 NCAA Tournament. That streak will likely extend this year, though its NET ranking may suggest that it should be right there on the 1-seed line.

The main reason for this is straightforward: the Illini have not helped their case in recent weeks. Since starting 20-3, Illinois has gone 2-4 in its last six games, which features three overtime losses to Michigan State, Wisconsin and UCLA, the latter of the three whom are sitting on the bubble. Though it was by no means a "bad loss" in terms of its impact on its NCAA Tournament resume, Illinois' case was most recently set back by a home loss to Michigan on Friday.

If the Illini were able to pick up a Quad 1 or Quad 2 win or two (or a few) in this recent stretch, their case would be looking a lot better heading into the Big Ten tournament. But alas, Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Illinois with a 10.8% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Thursday, Feb. 26).

Iowa State

  • NET ranking: No. 8
  • Quad 1 record: 6-4

Iowa State looked to have the metrics — led by its top-8 NET ranking — to snag up the final 1-seed when it was put ahead of UConn by the NCAA selection committee in their first in-season top 16 NCAA Tournament seeds on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The 1-seed now looks to be out of the picture for the Cyclones following their recent losses to BYU and Texas Tech. The games against the Cougars and Red Raiders would have been beneficial wins for the Cyclones, as they both were considered Quad 1 opportunities. Iowa State has just six Quad 1 wins going into the final week of the regular season, which is the fewest among teams ranked in the top 10 of the NET rankings.

Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Iowa State with a 3.1% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Sunday, March 1). Therefore, it's safe to say that Iowa State's chances of salvaging its chances at the 1-seed really rely on how Monday's game vs. Arizona goes.

Houston

  • NET ranking: No. 10
  • Quad 1 record: 7-5

Houston is holding onto contention for the final 1-seed by the skin of their teeth. The Cougars' recent three-game losing skid put quite the damper on their chances of getting a spot on the 1-seed line, and they don't have many opportunities before the Big 12 tournament to salvage it.

Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Houston with a 7.5% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Sunday, March 1).

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness prediction: Who could be final No. 1 seed in bracket?

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Team USA projected lineup, rotation for World Baseball Classic

After falling to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic,Team USA has assembled a roster loaded with MLB stars for the next iteration of the tournament.

While Team USA's roster was strong in 2022, the pitching staff had some issues. In 2026, though, Team USA and manager Mark DeRosa were able to convince top-end pitching talent to join the roster, despite the tournament being held before the regular season and likely requiring a quicker ramp-up process.

REQUIRED READING: Team USA World Baseball Classic roster revealed, 2026 WBC schedule

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith are the lone position players returning from the 2023 squad. They'll be joined by some of the world's best, including Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Cal Raleigh, among others.

Team USA is the favorite for the WBC, but it won't be easy, as Japan, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are also top contenders.

Here's a look at USA's projected lineup for the WBC, which will be held from March 5-17:

Team USA projected lineup for World Baseball Classic

Team USA is only carrying four outfielders for the WBC, which includes Judge, who's expected to play every game. Corbin Carroll was recently replaced by former No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony, one of the best young talents in MLB.

The infield could also get interesting, as Team USA boasts both Gunnar Henderson and Witt Jr. at shortstop. Witt Jr. likely has the leg up as a returner from the 2023 squad, but Henderson should still see his fair share of playing time at his natural position.

Team USA will likely rotate its position players group throughout the group stage, thanks to having a deep roster of MLB stars. The lineup could, and likely will, also change based on if it's facing a right-handed or left-handed pitcher. Byron Buxton could also take designated hitter when Team USA faces left-handed pitchers, with Schwarber taking duties against right-handers.

Here's a look at Team USA's projected lineup when playing its best nine players:

  1. SS Bobby Witt Jr. (R)
  2. DH Kyle Schwarber (L)
  3. RF Aaron Judge (R)
  4. 5. 1B Bryce Harper (L)
  5. C Cal Raleigh (S)
  6. LF Roman Anthony (L)
  7. 3B Alex Bregman (R)
  8. CF Pete Crow-Armstrong (L)
  9. 2B Brice Turang (R)
  • Bench: Byron Buxton (R), Paul Goldschmidt (R), Ernie Clement (R), Will Smith (R)

Team USA projected pitching rotation

Team USA's rotation is led by the two reigning Cy Young winners in Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. However, Skubal said he'll only make one start, which will come during the group. Skenes said he expects to make two starts/

Team USA has solid starting pitch depth, especially with top prospect Nolan McLean capable of shifting from the bullpen to the rotation once Skubal is done. Logan Webb is also capable of leading a rotation.

Joe Ryan was projected to be in the rotation, although he was scratched from his first Spring Training start on Feb. 20 due to lower-back tightness, and was eventually placed by Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough.

Here's a look at Team USA's projected starting pitching rotation:

  1. Tarik Skubal (L)
  2. Paul Skenes (R)
  3. Logan Webb (R)
  4. Ryan Yarbrough (L)
  5. Michael Wacha (R) /Matthew Boyd (L)
  • Other starters on roster: Clayton Kershaw (L), Nolan McLean (R), Clay Holmes (R)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Team USA projected lineup, rotation for World Baseball Classic

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10 takeaways as Neemias Queta powers Celtics past 76ers

Neemias Queta celebrates after a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers. | Winslow Townson/Getty Images

Late in the fourth quarter Sunday, with the Celtics one knockout blow away from finishing the 76ers, it was fitting that Neemias Queta provided the final punch.

A man among boys on this particular night, Queta wrestled the ball away from VJ Edgecombe, finished through contact and screamed to fire up the TD Garden crowd even more.

Queta has been terrific all season, and is one of the NBA’s most-improved players, but he had never pieced together a game quite like this one. He finished with a career-high 27 points (10-of-14 shooting), 17 rebounds and 3 blocks (plus-20), becoming the first Celtic since Robert Parish in 1989 to have at least 25 points and 10 offensive rebounds in a game.

It was a balanced effort, but Queta set the tone as the Celtics pulled away for a 114-98 win. Jaylen Brown added 27 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds, Derrick White scored 21 and Baylor Scheierman had his thumbprint all over the game from start to finish.

Here are 10 takeaways:

1) QUETATTACK

Queta made his presence felt early, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal in the first half. That was already his most points in a half ever, and he wasn’t done yet.

In addition to his usual power, he showcased some impressive finesse and delivered crafty finishes at the rim.

He had a particularly fun sequence late in the fourth, before the and-1, where he blocked Tyrese Maxey’s shot and altered VJ Edgecombe’s back-to-back. Queta was everywhere all night and was the engine in this one, even earning M-V-P chants and a standing ovation at various points.

2) SECOND HELPINGS

Queta’s play inspired his teammates, as the Celtics racked up 30 second-chance points and out-rebounded the 76ers, 59-37, in a truly dominant effort.

The first quarter wasn’t as kind to the Celtics on the glass, but after that, it was a phenomenal performance. Boston continues to compensate for its lack of traditional height with all-out hustle plays, a high collective IQ and great coaching.

3) THUMBS-UP FOR SCHEIERMAN

Baylor Scheierman, playing with a fractured thumb on his shooting hand, looked like his usual self Sunday night.

Defensively, he helped hold Tyrese Maxey to 4-of-18 shooting in the first half. Maxey missed some shots he usually makes, and later returned to form, but Scheierman consistently made life difficult alongside his Celtics teammates.

Offensively, he had a crafty play where he faked a lob in transition and cruised to the hoop for two. He also buried a corner 3 at the buzzer to send the Celtics into halftime with a 62-50 edge, giving fans a thumbs-up to let them know he was just fine.

4) BROWNIE POINTS

Jaylen Brown continued to provide the perfect blend of aggressive scoring and timely facilitating. Brown’s reads have been on point all year, and he’s mastered the art of thriving as the No. 1 option while also not forcing shots.

He posted at least 23 points and seven assists for the fourth time in the last five games. Time will tell if he makes the All-NBA first team, but he’s certainly playing like one of the top-5 players in the league right now.

5) QUARTER POUNDER

After falling behind 28-26 through 1, the Celtics responded convincingly with a 36-22 second quarter. This Celtics team, like many before it, has a unique ability to seize momentum and capitalize when opportunities emerge.

They moved the ball well, got Sam Hauser going from 3 and continued to lean on Queta. Of course, the 76ers weren’t done yet. They stayed within striking distance, and nearly surged ahead, then Boston pulled away once more to seal it.

6) WHITE IS RIGHT

White provided my personal favorite play of the night. You really can’t teach this. What a player. They’re lucky to have him.

7) PRITCH? PLEASE?

It was a rare quiet night for Payton Pritchard, who was held scoreless for the first time all season. It didn’t ultimately matter too much, but it was interesting to watch him blend in rather than stand out.

Credit to Pritchard for maintaining his poise and finishing plus-seven with five assists. I highly doubt this is going to be the start of a trend. It feels like a weird outlier that won’t mean anything long term.

8) YOU MIGHT GET A KICK OUT OF THIS

One of the more entertaining plays of the night came in the fourth quarter, when Edgecombe dove for a loose ball and accidentally kicked a fan in the face.

She even had a battle scar to prove it. Hope she’s OK. Either way, it’s a good story – and yes, he apologized.

9) DRUM STICKS

Apparently, Andre Drummond can shoot 3’s now. After making just 18 total in his first 13 seasons, Drummond is 22 for 59 (37.3 percent) this season after hitting two of his four attempts against the Celtics.

It wasn’t even grotesque, either. He’s not exactly Kyle Korver, but he’s actually capable of knocking them down. Respect.

10) EVEN SPLIT

After all that, the Celtics and 76ers ended up tying the season series, 2-2. It feels like these teams are going to play again, whether it’s in the first round, second round or Eastern Conference Finals.

I think the 76ers will give them a series, but I think the Celtics will win. Boston in 6.

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How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors: TV, live stream info for Monday's game

In a Monday night matchup of two teams with preseason title aspirations that now are battling for a play-in spot, the Golden State Warriors will play host to the Los Angeles Clippers on Peacock.

The Warriors (31-29) are eighth in the Western Conference standings and have made the playoffs in 10 of the past 13 seasons (including four championships). Injuries have derailed Golden State, which lost Jimmy Butler for the season to a torn ACL in mid-January.

The Clippers (28-31) are 10th in the conference and have made the playoffs in 12 of the past 14 seasons. Los Angeles has cooled off since a 17-5 run from Dec. 20 through Feb. 2, and its recent struggles have come since the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac.

This is the third of four meetings between the teams. They split the first two with each winning at home — the Warriors won 98-79 on Oct. 28, and the Clippers triumphed 103-102 on Jan. 5.

See below for additional information on how to watch the Clippers-Warriors matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also, check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors:

  • When: Monday, March 2
  • Where: Chase Center in San Francisco, California
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET
  • YouTubeTV: NBCSN
  • Live Stream: Peacock

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors preview:

In return for Harden and Zubac, the Clippers received young stars and draft capital. Darius Garland, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Harden, has yet to make his Clippers debut while recovering from a right toe sprain.

Bennedict Mathurin, who arrived from Indiana as the headliner of the Zubac deal, has been averaging more than 27 points per game off the bench since the All-Star break, and he tied a career high with 38 points in his first home game for Los Angeles (a record for a Clippers player in a home debut).

Kawhi Leonard, who leads the team in scoring at nearly 28 points per game, recently assessed how the team's championship outlook changed after the trades. "I mean, I think it’s over now," he said Feb. 20. "It’s the second half, a fourth of the season left. But every day is a day to grow, a day to learn and get better. So you just got to keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we’re getting better and see what happens from there.”

In addition to the loss of Butler, the Warriors also have been navigating life without superstar Steph Curry, who has missed the past nine games with a right knee injury. Golden State is 8-12 this year without Curry, who leads the team in scoring (27.2 points per game) and 3-pointers per game (4.5).

"It’s frustrating not being out there, especially with an injury that doesn’t necessarily have a specific timeline you can trust," Curry said Feb. 21. "So I’m staying patient, and hopefully back sooner rather than later. We all know the goal is to be healthy come play-in or playoff time, whatever it is. We kind of know where we’re slotted in the standings right now. A lot has happened this year, so we just want to get in a playoff series and have a chance.”

Without their veterans, the Warriors have leaned on young guards Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, as well as forward Gui Santos, to buoy their postseason hopes.

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood

NBA on NBC 2025-26 schedule:

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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Who can the Yankees least afford to lose this year?

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Max Fried #54 and Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees talk during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 19, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees, knock on wood, have seemingly done OK with injuries early on in camp. Often, when players report to spring training, there’s a deluge of injury news as injuries that occurred during the offseason come to light, such as Francisco Lindor’s wrist injury or Anthony Santander’s shoulder ailment. They’ve had very small scares thus far, such as Cam Schlittler taking a few days off of throwing a couple weeks ago, or Cody Bellinger’s back acting up over the weekend, but as of now, everyone seems to be on track.

Still, injuries happen, and Bellinger’s balky back was a good reminder that guys are going to pick up bumps and bruises. With that in mind, which Yankee would you least want to see get injured?

Of course, this is only a conversation if we exclude Aaron Judge, so let’s set aside the three-time MVP for now. Other than Judge, who do you think would be the toughest guy to see go down? He’s not fully back into action, but could it be Gerrit Cole? We haven’t gotten to see Cole in pinstripes since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, a crushingly long time to wait and a bitter note to have left off on. Moreover, he stands to provide a huge boost once he returns; is there anyone else that could be as hard to lose?

Sure there is. Max Fried was the team’s MVP on the pitching side last year, buoying the club in Cole’s absence. The prospect of him and Cole as co-aces at the front of the rotation by mid-summer is tantalizing. There’s the aforementioned Bellinger, who was the Yankees’ second-best position player last year behind Judge, bringing all-around production at the plate, on the bases, and on defense, and now in the first year of a long-term contract. Not to mention, Cam Schlittler, whose production down the stretch was outstanding and whose continued rise should be one of the most fun storylines to follow this year, or Jazz Chisholm Jr., who might have the highest ceiling of any hitter on the Yankees not named Judge.

What do you think? Who, other than Judge, is the player you most want to see stay healthy in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.

The Yankees are off today, but we’ll still have plenty on the site to keep you busy. In the morning, we’ll start prepping for the World Baseball Classic, as Peter previews WBC Pool A. Later, Sam will celebrate Miguel Andújar, Nick continues our Yankees preview series with an analysis of Amed Rosario. Also, Andrés runs down the Braves as part of our broader MLB preview, and Madison puts out the call for this week’s mailbag.

Today’s Matchup

Off-day.

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Pens Points: A split weekend

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 01: Arturs Silovs #37 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with teammates after defeating the against the Vegas Golden Knights at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 1, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Here are your Pens Points for this Monday morning…

The Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up another back-to-back set on Sunday, returning home to host the Vegas Golden Knights. The day before, they let the game get away from them in New York, escaping with a loser point, but the team, led by Bryan Rust, Ben Kindel, and others, shutout Vegas to earn two big points. [Recap]

The big off-ice news over the weekend centers around Evgeni Malkin and his seemingly never-ending quest to get a contract extension with the only team he has ever played with. Malkin made it known that his agent, J.P. Barry, will discuss a potential contract extension with the team following the season. [Trib Live]

News and updates from around the NHL…

The Los Angeles Kings fired coach Jim Hiller on Sunday after losing five of their past six games and falling out of playoff position. [Associated Press via TSN]

The Edmonton Oilers placed forward Andrew Mangiapane and defenseman Alec Regula on waivers. [TSN]

Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson was benched late in the team’s 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, with head coach Adam Foote saying the forward “has to be better.” [Sportsnet]

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on life support, and the plug may soon be pulled on this season. Captain Auston Matthews called his team’s 5-2 weekend loss to the Ottawa Senators “embarrassing,” after a tough stretch has left their playoff hopes quickly fading. [Sportsnet]

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Arne Slot admits he does not enjoy watching most Premier League matches

  • He points to narrowing gap and reliance on set plays

  • Liverpool head coach will not change his team’s style

Arne Slot has admitted he does not enjoy watching most Premier League matches but says he will not change Liverpool’s philosophy. The head coach feels the narrower quality gap between top and bottom and a ­growing reliance on set plays have reduced the entertainment.

“Most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch,” Slot said. “But it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive and that is what makes this league great – because there’s so much competitiveness.

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Team USA stars ready to win WBC for the 'greatest country in the world'

MESA, AZ — Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete-Crow Armstrong can’t wait to catch up again with former roommate Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and hang out with one of his heroes, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper.

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb plans to hang around as much as possible with three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, picking his brain until the future Hall of Famer gets tired of him.

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman, who is hosting a few of his new teammates this week, including Boston Red Sox slugger Roman Anthony, wants to spend as much time as possible with New York Yankees three-time MVP Aaron Judge.

The World Baseball Classic is back, with Team USA arriving over the weekend in Arizona, joined by four other national teams. The Americans will gather for a team dinner and have their first practice Monday in Scottsdale with exhibition games Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants and Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies before flying to Houston for the first round of the WBC.

Bobby Witt Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong are two of Team USA's rising young superstars.

They have assembled easily their finest team in WBC history, loaded with future Hall of Famers, MVPs, Cy Young winners and All-Stars. It’s gold medal or bust after winning the WBC in 2017, but losing to Japan in the finals in 2023.

While Team USA has had difficulty attracting pitchers and a few stars like Aaron Judge in the past, this time had virtually everyone begging to play for them.

No one took a bigger financial gamble than the Detroit Tigers' two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. He’s in line for a historic $400-million-plus contract as a free agent after the season, and everyone would have understood if he declined. He originally planned to decline, but after talking to several of his close friends who were playing, relented and signed up.

“It says a lot about him as a competitor," =Crow-Armstrong tells USA TODAY Sports. “It’s sick that he wants do this on his walk year. His mound presence is how a lead singer would command a crowd or a really good speaker would command the room.

“It’s almost like everybody goes silent when he takes the mound."

Still, as much as Skubal is looking forward to representing the United States, he also realizes he needs to be smart about the potential risk. He informed Team USA he will pitch just once for perhaps two or three innings, likely March 7 against Great Britain, and return to the Tigers’ camp in Lakeland, FL.

“I’d love to do the whole thing, it’s just a timing thing," Skubal told reporters in Florida. “It kills me. I think I got the best of both worlds, getting a start, being in the room, learning from all those guys, but also by being healthy and pitching this season."

Pitching just once was a perfect compromise between the Tigers, Team USA, and his agent, Scott Boras.

So, will Boras be traveling to Houston to keep an eye on Skubal?

“No," he told USA TODAY Sports, “I’ll be home on my couch watching with a knot in my stomach."

USA WBC roster could have been even more loaded

Team USA could have had former MVP Mookie Betts and All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, too, but with their wives soon due with babies, they stayed home. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has played in the past for Team Canada, is staying back in Dodgers camp, too. So is New York Yankees first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, who declined an invitation, though teammate Paul Goldschmidt ended up on the team.

Minnesota Twins starter Taj Bradley elected to stay put to be with his new teammates instead of joining Team Mexico, with Jose Urquidy, Cody Ponce, Aaron Sanchez, Ramon Urias and Isaac Paredes also not playing for Mexico. Team Puerto Rico will be without Houston Astros third baseman Carlos Correa and New York Mets shortstop Francsico Lindor, while Venezuela is missing second baseman Jose Altuve.

And while four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani plans to play for Team Japan again, there won’t be a sequel to the 2023 WBC when he struck out USA captain Mike Trout to win the gold. He will strictly be a DH and won’t pitch.

“Now it’s time for us to go out there and change that script,” said Judge, USA’s team captain. “I’m excited, just like I was the day I committed. It’s going to be fun. The boys are pumped up, and it’s time to go to work.”

'The greatest country in the world'

The WBC experience will be emotional for players like Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Boston Red Sox lety Garrett Whitlock. Skenes spent two years as a cadet at the Air Force Academy and still wants to serve his country when his playing career ends. Whitlock’s father, Larry, served in Vietnam, and he cried when Whitlock broke the news to him.

“That’s why it’s such an honor to me,” Whitlock told reporters in Fort Myers, FL on Saturday. “Forget the stage and everything else, but just to represent the country. I’ll never be able to sacrifice like so many of our service members do. But it’s the chance hopefully we can bring them some joy.”

Skenes, who plans to start twice in the tournament along with Webb, says he wouldn’t miss the WBC for all of the world.

“We’re doing it to represent the men and women that are fighting for us," Skenes said this winter, “along with many other things that make this country the greatest country in the world. That’s what I believe. That’s why I wanted to serve, why I went to the Air Force Academy."

For Harper, who last represented USA in international competition when he was 16 years old, says he will wear No. 24 in the tournament, the number he world back in 2009 when he still was a teenager.

“There’s nothing like it," Harper told reporters in Clearwater, FL. “You can try to think that there is something like it, but there’s not. Being able to wear the colors of your country and represent something so much bigger than yourself …

“I’m really, really looking forward to this. We’ve got a really good group of players."

You know the team loaded when Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, one of USA’s heroes in the 2023 WBC, declined an invitation when told he would have had to shift to second base. And Trout, who perhaps wouldn’t have been cleared for insurance anyway, wasn’t even invited.

Certainly, there will be nerves by GMs watching their pitchers perform in the event. It really isn’t a concern for position players, but pitchers musth ramp up quicker than normal, and thrown into an environment that replicates the postseason, if not greater.

“It’s a great event," Buster Posey, Giants president of baseball operations, said earlier this spring. “But we’ve also seen over the years that it can derail some pitchers, just because there’s no way to replicate getting yourself ready for what’s essentially a playoff baseball atmosphere in early March.”

Still, injury risk or not, or leaving their teammates behind, players absolutely love the event.

“The WBC is great, man," said San Diego Padres All-Star third baseman Manny Machado, who’s playing for the Dominican Republic. “I’m super excited. I think everybody in the world is waiting for it. … It’s just such a cool event. You’re playing for not just your country, not for the fans, but the people in their countries and across the world.

“I get goosebumps just talking about it because it’s such a special event."

WBC reunion for Team USA's rising young stars

The WBC is not only for national pride, but it breaks up the monotony of spring training. Players will stay at five-star hotels with their families, play in a postseason environment, and catch up with long-time friends.

“I think just wearing the stars and stripes across your chest is special for players," said Cubs starter Matthew Boyd, who will pitch for USA. “And then listening to the national anthem with the flag on your shoulder, that’s the highest honor."

Witt, who had only three plate appearances in the last WBC, is the starting shortstop this time around, and says he can’t wait to play alongside Crow-Armstrong and infielder Brice Turang, his teammates from a U18 team.

“Even before they asked if I’d play,’’ Witt said, “the answer was yes. I loved the event just being around the guys. It was unreal."

Now, for the first time since they were teenagers and roommates, Witt and Crow-Armstrong will be reunited on the same USA team. They were merely high school prospects at the time, manhandling the competition. Today, they are All-Stars, with Witt, 25, already establishing himself as one of the finest players in the game.

“I immediately looked up to Bob," Crow-Armstrong told USA TODAY Sports, “and to this day he’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen. It’s not even close. And it’s so cool what he is doing now. …

“I just feel very lucky that I get to experience something like this. I’m ready to play some real meaningful baseball and just wear those colors. I mean, I haven’t done it for some years, and getting to do it at the highest stage if going to be special."

Yet, considering that Crow-Amstrong already has a strong friendship with Witt, there is one star he’d love hanging out with during this two-week tournament.

“Bryce Harper is the guy I’m looking forward to the most,’’ Crow-Armstrong said. “Just being around people who have coached him or played with him, I’m just very excited to see him go about his business.

“He’s been at the peak of everything for the longest time. He’s done it it in a very authentic way, in a very real way. He’s done a lot of good things for the game, but just from a behind-the-scenes perspective, I’m excited to see him.’’

Now, for the first time, they are all teammates, representing their country and going for the gold.

“I’m super proud of being an American," said Bregman, playing on his sixth USA team. “I take great pride in being from the United States. … It’s wearing the Stars and Stripes. You become a family and a team really quickly. Even though we’re all in different camps right now, [Monday] we’ll be in the same clubhouse.

“That’s the coolest part of it is the bond that’s created right away when you step foot in that locker room and know what’re you’re representing and what you’re playing for.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA WBC team ready to win it all: 'Greatest country in the world'

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Five most undervalued teams heading into conference tournaments

March Madness is quickly approaching with just 13 days until Selection Sunday.

The projected 68-team bracket took a bit of a hit over the weekend with several seed-altering upsets for fighting for the final No. 1 seed, such as No. 8 Purdue going 0-2 on the week with losses to No. 13 Michigan State and Ohio State and Iowa State losing to Texas Tech.

Several bubble teams saw their margin of error on making the field dwindle, looking at you, Auburn and Indiana.

March Madness bracket predictions: No. 1 seeds to first four out

There remain opportunities for teams to salvage or improve their respective NCAA Tournament resumes, as there remains a week left in the regular season for most conferences before teams ship out to their respective tournaments.The first conference tournament starts Monday, March 2 with the Horizon League, while the Big Ten will be the last one to finish just before the bracket reveal Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. ET.

But which teams have done some work on their March Madness picture that is going a bit unnoticed?

Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports predictions on which college basketball teams are underrated heading into the final week of the regular season and their respective conference tournaments:

Selection Sunday date, TV channel: When does March Madness bracket come out?

March Madness predictions: Underrated teams

For this March Madness prediction exercise, we've added the following filters and parameters: Team must be currently projected as a five seed or higher in ESPN Joe Lunardi's and USA TODAY Sports' latest projections, and their NET and KenPom rankings don't align with their respective projected seeding.

Michigan State

  • KenPom: No. 10
  • NET rankings: No. 11
  • Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports

It's March, never count out Michigan State and Tom Izzo. The Spartans gave the country an early reminder of that Thursday in West Lafayette when they walked out of Mackey Arena — where they had not won in their past seven trips — with an upset win over No. 8 Purdue.

Michigan State followed that up with a win at Indiana, where it got 21 points each from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler, two veteran pieces that can lead the Spartans on a national championship run, in addition to their defense that ranks sixth on KenPom.

The Spartans hold a 14-5 Quad 1 and Quad 2 combined record, and have won 12 of their past 15 games. With a date set with Michigan on Sunday, Michigan State could be in the mix for a 2-seed line before heading to Chicago for the Big Ten tournament.

Kansas

  • KenPom: No. 16
  • NET rankings: No. 16
  • Projected seeding: No. 3 seed on ESPN | No. 3 seed on USA TODAY Sports

Before we get started on this blurb, yes, Kansas is a blue-blood, so how are the Jayhawks "underrated"? They are on here for the same reason Michigan State is: They're coming into form all while jammed in the middle of a packed Big 12, which has been the best conference in college basketball this season.

Since Jan. 13 with its win over then-No. 2 Iowa State, Kansas has all but three of its past 12 games, with four of those wins being against top-ranked wins over then-No. 13 BYU, then-No. 13 Texas Tech, then-No. 1 Arizona and then-No. 5 Houston.

Their seven Quad 1 wins are tied for the second-most in the Big 12 with Texas Tech, only behind Arizona's nation-leading 13 Quad 1 wins.

March Madness power rankings: Ranking top 20 teams based on odds

Virginia

  • KenPom: No. 17
  • NET rankings: No. 14
  • Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports

The job Ryan Odom has done in Charlottesville hasn't been talked about enough nationally. Most of what has happened in the ACC has been overshadowed by how good Duke has been in the conference (just look at how Virginia's Saturday game played out at Cameron Indoor).

At 25-4 overall on the season, Virginia holds a top-15 NET ranking (they dropped just one spot following its loss at Duke) and a top-20 ranking on KenPom. Virginia is the second-highest-rated ACC team in the NET, on KenPom and on BartTorvik.

Led by Thijs De Ridder (16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game), Odom has Virginia back in the NCAA Tournament after missing it last season. The 25 wins for the Cavaliers, who have two Quad 2 opportunities to round out the regular season, are the most for a head coach in his first season in program history. It's also a 10-win improvement from last season for Virginia under Ron Sanchez, who took over for Tony Bennett following his abrupt retirement.

Alabama

  • KenPom: No. 14
  • NET rankings: No. 15
  • Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports

It's hard to remember the last time Alabama wasn't in the headlines daily, and that was largely due to the Charles Bediako-NCAA eligibility case.

Alabama remains in the headlines, but for good measure now, as 23 points and the game-winning shot from Labaron Philon Jr. helped the Crimson Tide steal one on the road against Tennessee that will undoubtedly impact their March Madness seeding projection positively.

The Crimson Tide has won eight straight going into the final week of SEC play, where it will have a Quad 1 road opportunity at Georgia on Tuesday. They have a top-3-ranked offense on KenPom — that features Philon, Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell — and NCAA Tournament metrics that are in a solid spot going into the SEC tournament, where, depending on their matchups, they could work their way to the 3-seed line. Defense will be the question for the Tide come March.

March Madness predictions: 13 teams who can win men's tournament

Nebraska

  • KenPom: No. 11
  • NET rankings: No. 12
  • Projected seeding: No. 3 seed on ESPN | No. 3 seed on USA TODAY Sports

There was no better story in college basketball at the start of the season than Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers started undefeated at 20-0 before sustaining their first loss on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Michigan. That loss to the Wolverines was the first of three losses in a four-game stretch for the Cornhuskers, though all three losses came to top-15 ranked teams with Illinois and Purdue as the others.

Since then, the Cornhuskers have bounced back a bit — though they fell to projected seven-seed Iowa on the road — with four wins in their last five games. They have a top-five-ranked defense on KenPom, rank in the top-15 on both KenPom and in the NET rankings and have an offense that is top-7 in Big Ten play in scoring with Pryce Sandfort leading the charge.

Could this be the year that the Cornhuskers get their first-ever NCAA Tournament win? We'll find out in two weeks.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness underrated teams like Michigan State, Virginia worth watching

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Second Episode of Jayson Tatum Documentary

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Episode 2 of Jayson Tatum’s documentary ‘The Quiet Work’ was run before the 76ers vs. Celtics game on NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball. Tatum then posted the video on his YouTube channel and it explores his and his doctor’s perspective on getting surgery immediately the next day after his injury.

At the end of Episode 1, Jayson Tatum had just torn his Achilles and was on his way to the hospital. Episode 2 opens up with Tatum and trainer Nick Sang going back and forth describing the scene with Celtics team doctor Antony Schena on the night of the injury. Schena used a tape cutter to take off the bandages, raised Tatum’s leg, and nodded at the group to signal that the Achilles was ruptured. Tatum responded to the story saying it was “heartbreaking.”

Doctor Martin O’Malley of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City then sits down for an interview and talks about the science behind how an Achilles tear rupture is the worst injury in basketball. He says “it feels like an explosion goes off in the back of your [leg] and the tendon just separates.” Tatum cuts in following this and says, “I just couldn’t help but think in my head, ‘am I ever going to play again’ and to be honest at that point, I ain’t have no hope.”

Dr. O’Malley comes back in and explains the risk of the injury. “The biggest risk is not getting back to that same level, losing a step, losing a jump.” He was watching the game at home and when Tatum went down he said, “oh no, that’s not good.”

O’Malley is an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in foot and ankle surgery who has operated on a few professional athletes and other NBA players like Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, and Vince Carter. So, he knew once Tatum got injured, he called his team right away.

Tatum then describes the next morning and how he felt discouraged when he was was offered a wheelchair when he first walked into the hospital. He said, “Yesterday, I was Superman, I was invincible, and now I need help with everything.”

Dr. O’Malley then shows the X-ray of Tatum’s foot and where the Achilles tore and where they sewed it back together. He also said getting the surgery within 24 hours leads to better outcomes and offered Tatum the ability to get the surgery that day. Tatum was crushed, saying, “it felt like my soul left my body.”

Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, said his face turned white and explained that Jayson didn’t expect to get the surgery and was apprehensive about getting it that day. Cole asked everyone to leave the room and Tatum just broke down. Cole said, “I can’t imagine feeling like the thing you love the most, the thing you worked for your whole life, just taken away from you.” She eventually convinced Tatum to get the surgery sooner rather than later.

Tatum described the process of the surgery and they showed video of his reaction when he first woke up. When describing what he felt when he woke up, he said, “I remember looking down at my foot and [it] felt heavy… I tried playing with my toes and I couldn’t move them.” The next shot was the hallway of the hospital and the episode faded to black.

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Blackhawks visit the Jets after Teravainen's 2-goal game

Chicago Blackhawks (23-28-9, in the Central Division) vs. Winnipeg Jets (23-26-10, in the Central Division)

Winnipeg, Manitoba; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Winnipeg Jets after Teuvo Teravainen's two-goal game against the Utah Mammoth in the Blackhawks' 4-0 win.

Winnipeg is 6-7-3 against the Central Division and 23-26-10 overall. The Jets have given up 182 goals while scoring 167 for a -15 scoring differential.

Chicago is 23-28-9 overall with an 8-6-2 record against the Central Division. The Blackhawks have a 6-7-4 record in one-goal games.

The matchup Tuesday is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Blackhawks won 2-0 in the last meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mark Scheifele has scored 27 goals with 43 assists for the Jets. Adam Lowry has five assists over the past 10 games.

Tyler Bertuzzi has 26 goals and 19 assists for the Blackhawks. Connor Bedard has five goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jets: 3-3-4, averaging 2.1 goals, four assists, 2.7 penalties and 5.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

Blackhawks: 2-6-2, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.6 assists, 2.7 penalties and 5.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.

INJURIES: Jets: None listed.

Blackhawks: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Neemias Queta is just scratching the surface of his potential

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON — “MVP! MVP! MVP!”

The chants echoed across TD Garden as the Celtics inched toward a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Normally, that chant is reserved for Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ perennial MVP candidate.

This year, Jaylen Brown has received his fair share of MVP cheers en route to a career season that’s already seen him secure his first-ever All-Star start.

But, on Sunday night, the “MVP!” chorus was directed toward a more unlikely character: Neemias Queta.

Queta, after all, appeared to be floating. The 26-year-old posted one of the best games of his NBA career, scoring a career-high 27 points (on 10-14 FG) to go alongside 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.

The Celtics, in turn, tallied a 114-98 win over the 76ers, improving to an astounding 40-20 record, the Eastern Conference’s second-best mark.

Amazingly, ten of Queta’s rebounds were on the offensive glass.

And, he did it all in just 27 minutes of action.

How did he do it?

“Just trying to have fun out there,” he said after the win.

Queta smiled when asked about the Garden’s boisterous MVP chants, which erupted multiple times in the game’s second half.

“I got distracted, missed a couple of free throws,” he said. “Got to work on that.”

The Celtics continue to push Neemias Queta toward greatness

After the win, Joe Mazzulla recalled how he informed Queta early last summer that he’d be the starting center on the Celtics this season. That came after the departures of Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency, and after Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Almost overnight, Queta went from being the Celtics’ fourth-string center to the frontcourt’s anchor.

“Part of telling him in the summer that he was going to be the starting center was giving him the time to properly wrap his mind around —- physically, mentally, emotionally prepare himself—— for what it means to be the starting center for the Celtics,” Mazzulla said. “And he’s taken on that ownership and responsibility well, and he’s got to keep it going.”

Shortly after that conversation, Queta represented Portugal at EuroBasket, going into the FIBA tournament with the knowledge that he was poised to be a critical part of the Celtics’ success. That tournament run came on the heels of offseason knee surgery, and Queta credits the national team experience for preparing him for this season.

“Playing for Portugal was huge for me this summer,” he said. “It allowed me to get a lot of rhythm, allowed me to get a lot of confidence, too. And just from that point on, it was just like a building stage. We worked a lot during the summer, pre- and post-surgery. It was a big summer for me in terms of fine-tuning a bunch of different stuff. We worked on all types of aspects — rebounding, pick-and-roll defense, we worked on match-up recognition. It was a big summer for me.”

As a result, Queta has had a career year, averaging 10.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game, while shooting 64.5% from the field.

He’s tallied three double-doubles in his last five games, and last month, he logged back-to-back double-doubles for the first time in his career.

But many around the team, such as Jaylen Brown, feel like Queta has yet to reach his final form.

“I’m very pleased just to see his progression; he’s been working hard all season long,” Brown said. “I’ve been in his ear, talking to him. He’s done a good job this year. I feel like he has another level he can tap into, and I feel like he’s starting to tap into that.”

As such, it was fitting that right in the middle of Queta’s most dominant stretch of the game, Joe Mazzulla scolded him for swatting a shot out of bounds instead of saving it in-bounds.

Mazzulla said postgame that there have been three recent instances in which Queta has unnecessarily blocked a shot out-of-bounds that he thinks Queta could have salvaged.

“I do think that’s an area of growth,” Mazzulla said. “Like, if you can catch it, catch it. Why give a team another possession? You just get the ball, and then we go in transition. So it’s definitely something he’s gotta better.”

To those not intimately familiar with Mazzulla and his coaching style, it might seem overly negative that, amid Queta’s career night, he was visibly distressed at a mistake that could be perceived as very minor.

But, from Queta’s perspective, it’s that exact mindset from Mazzulla and the coaching staff that has allowed him to develop into the player he is today.

“It’s easy when you have a night like this to settle down,” Queta said. “When Joe keeps coming at you like that, you’re only going to get better. Like he says, something that’s occurred a lot in the last couple of games. In the moment, I don’t think I can get it, but then when it settles down…”

Queta, upon further review, did think he could have salvaged that block. And, he’s committed to blocking a shot and subsequently keeping it in-bounds in the coming days, a play that could give the Celtics a transition opportunity, or at the very least, a chance at a defensive board.

“Hopefully, I get a couple of those next couple of games,” Queta said.

Although Mazzulla remains laser-focused on the details, and pushing Queta to be the absolute best version he can be, he hasn’t lost sight of the big picture.

“You have to just have a level of gratitude and appreciate how hard he’s worked — but not just this year,” Mazzulla said. “He’s been here for three, four years, right? So the process of what he’s gone through to earn what he’s got is really what I care about.”

“We have to wake up and do it again tomorrow, so there’s that piece to it, but there’s the piece of — he’s taken on the ownership of the responsibility, and he cares about working hard and understanding how important what he does for us and for our team.”

Just moments after Queta finished addressing reporters in the locker room, he headed to Milwaukee along with the rest of his teammates; the Celtics (40-20) will face the Bucks (26-33) on Monday night.

Mazzulla loved what he saw from Queta on the first night of a back-to-back.

But, there’s a reason he’s not satisfied. It’s the same reason he’s not satisfied every night.

“In less than 24 hours,” said the Celtics head coach, “we have to do it again.”

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Bruins trade targets: Players signed beyond this season worth pursuing

Bruins trade targets: Players signed beyond this season worth pursuing originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins aren’t a top-tier Stanley Cup contender this season, even though they have a good chance to return to the playoffs after failing to qualify in 2025.

Therefore, it wouldn’t make sense for general manager Don Sweeney to go all-in at the March 6 NHL trade deadline like he did in 2023.

Trading away first-round picks or top prospects for rentals would be a horrible move.

However, if the Bruins could acquire an impact player signed long term who fits the age timeline of their franchise players (David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman, etc.), then it would make sense to part with premium assets like a first-rounder and good prospects.

As a result of their 2025 trade deadline selling, the Bruins have more quality trade assets than they’ve had in a long time. That list includes two first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027, plus a prospect pool that has significantly improved over the last two years. Boston also has some young players in the AHL, such as Matthew Poitras and Fabian Lysell, who could interest other teams.

Which players signed beyond this season should the Bruins consider pursuing ahead of the trade deadline? Let’s take a look at some intriguing names.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

  • Position: Center
  • Contract: Signed through 2030-31, $8.125 million salary cap hit
  • 2025-26 stats: 12 goals, 23 assists in 43 games

The Blues are the team to watch at the trade deadline. They sit at the bottom of the Central Division and have a bunch of veteran players who could be dealt.

Thomas is a legit top-six center and could serve as the Bruins’ first-line center if they acquired him. He is an elite playmaker who has tallied 60-plus assists and 80-plus points in each of the two previous seasons. He also averaged 21.25 goals scored over the last four seasons.

Thomas is just 26 years old and would be a great fit alongside the Bruins’ other core players such as Pastrnak. He is signed for five years beyond the current season at a $8.125 million cap hit, which is not steep at all considering the salary cap is expected to rise quite a bit in the near future.

The cost to acquire Thomas would be significant because top-six centers in their prime are among the most coveted players in the sport. Players of his caliber at center almost never reach free agency anymore. You have to draft and develop them or trade for them.

Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reported last week that Blues general manager Doug Armstrong “has made it clear what the asking price is for Thomas: three first-half-of-the-first-round assets. For example, that could mean an established young player, a drafted prospect and a draft pick who were all selected or could be taken in the first 15 or so picks.”

Given his age, offensive production and team-friendly contract, Thomas would be the type of player worth giving up premium assets to acquire.

Owen Tippett, Philadelphia Flyers

  • Position: Left/right wing
  • Contract: Signed through 2031-32, $6.2 million salary cap hit
  • 2025-26 Stats: 19 goals, 17 assists in 59 games

Tippett is a player who could fill a top-six wing role for Boston, which is something they very much need, especially if Viktor Arvidsson doesn’t re-sign in the summer.

The speedy 27-year-old forward will soon hit the 20-goal mark for the fourth straight year. He also has dished out 20-plus assists in each of three previous seasons and should get there this year as well.

Tippett is signed for six more seasons at a very team-friendly $6.2 million cap hit. The Flyers are six points out of a playoff spot and face a tough uphill climb to get back in the race, but would they even want to move a player like Tippett to a rival such as the Bruins? It’s worth checking in on, at the very least.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

  • Position: Defenseman
  • Contract: Signed through 2029-30, $6.5 million salary cap hit
  • 2025-26 Stats: One goal, 13 assists in 58 games

The Blues could look to move a couple veteran defensemen as rumors have swirled around Parayko and Justin Faulk. Parayko is a more valuable player than Faulk because he’s better defensively.

Parayko has great size at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. He’s tied for the league lead in blocked shots with 141 and plays 2:37 per game on the penalty kill. His impressive PK ability would help a Bruins team whose penalty kill ranks 27th out of 32 teams with a 76.7 percent success rate.

The only real issue with Parayko is that he has four more years left on his contract and will be 33 years old in May. The cap hit is pretty manageable at $6.5 million, but it’s fair to wonder if the Bruins would want to take on a player with so much term left on his deal at age 33. He also has a full no-trade clause, per PuckPedia.

That said, Parayko is a quality top-four defenseman who got meaningful ice time for Canada at the Olympics and would address one of the Bruins’ biggest needs: depth on the right side of the blue line.

Colton ParaykoJerome Miron-Imagn Images
Colton Parayko is a defensive defenseman with tons of playoff experience.

Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken

  • Position: Center
  • Contract: Signed through 2026-27, $886,666 salary cap hit
  • 2025-26 Stats: 11 goals, 12 assists in 59 games

Wright was once viewed as the top player in his draft class but slipped to the No. 4 pick in 2022. He has not yet fulfilled his enormous potential and still has one more year left on his entry-level contract with a salary cap hit under $1 million.

Wright took a huge step forward last season and set career highs with 19 goals and 25 assists. He’s on pace to take a step back offensively this year, but he does have genuine offensive talent.

Wright, at 22 years old, could thrive in a different situation. The Kraken have mostly given him a bottom-six role and under 14 minutes of ice time per game. A player with his skill set needs more of an opportunity to thrive.

If the price isn’t too steep, it would be worth pursuing him. If Wright reaches his ceiling, he could be a top-six forward.

MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames

  • Position: Defenseman
  • Contract: Signed through 2030-31, $6.25 million salary cap hit
  • 2025-26 Stats: Three goals, 18 assists in 59 games

The Bruins really need a right-shot defenseman, and Weegar fits that description. Weegar is playing 23:08 per game for the Flames and is on the ice for all situations, including the power play and penalty kill. He ranks second on the Flames with 128 hits and his 141 blocked shots are tied for the league lead. He can provide offense, too, evidenced by his 99 points over the two previous seasons combined.

The main concern about acquiring Weegar is he’s 32 years old with five more years left on his contract. The cap hit is pretty manageable but the term is a lot. That said, he would give the Bruins a physical, two-way presence on the right side of the blue line.

MacKenzei WeegarSergei Belski-Imagn Images
Weegar would add some much-needed depth to the right side of the Bruins blue line.
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How Maxi Kleber made a big impact in his short shift

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 1: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 1, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — On the season, Maxi Kleber has only played in 34 of the Lakers’ 59 games and averages fewer than 11 minutes per contest in those appearances.

On Sunday night, he brought life to every second he played.

While LA had both of its top centers available, Jaxson Hayes found himself in early foul trouble, so Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned to Kleber. Immediately, he ramped up LA’s intensity.

Kleber was cleaning up the glass while serving as a rim protector, rejecting a Drew Eubanks attempt. He even added an offensive highlight to his reel, posterizing Precious Achiuwa.

“He had two poster dunks tonight,” Redick said postgame. “Things you get really excited about…Just the reaction from his teammates on that, it’s something that gives your group spirit.”

But it was a play that largely won’t show up in the box score that provided the most spirit for the group.

As Marcus Smart took a 3-point attempt, Malik Monk yelled out “Hell naw!” as the ball failed to touch the rim. On the ensuing Kings’ possession, Monk tried to go coast-to-coast but Kleber stood his ground and knocked the guard down, sending a clear message.

When Monk got up, he had words for Kleber, as did former Laker Russell Westbrook. Kleber wanted all the smoke before coaches, players and officials stepped in to make sure things didn’t further escalate.

The play doesn’t appear in the box score as anything more than a foul on Kleber, but it gave this game a bit more edge. The Lakers kept that intensity up even as Kleber went to the bench, and they entered the halftime break up 15.

At times, LA has a tendency to let go of the rope, particularly in games seen as easy wins. Kleber ensured that wouldn’t be the case, even on the second night of a back-to-back.

“He’s the guy that makes our team,” Rui Hachimura said. “He has good energy. He always brings good energy to the team. We always talk about how we need to be more like Maxi or we need to be like Maxi. We always talk about that. I know how he approaches this every day and brings positive energy. He always brings good energy to the team, whether he plays or not.

Kleber won’t always play, and when he does, it won’t always look as good as it did against the Kings.

However, each team needs everyone rowing in the same direction. Kleber is one of those veterans who not only knows how to be a pro but also sets the standard for his teammates, whether they are playing big minutes or riding the bench.

With the Lakers responding to their three-game losing streak with back-to-back wins, LA is having a moment of positivity. Still, the Western Conference race is as tight as ever, and as a vet, Kleber knows better than most that the work is far from done.

“I think the best thing for us is to just block out the noise from outside because we know what we got to focus on, what we got to do, and keep our composure,” Kleber said. “But obviously, having two wins like that obviously helps for the team chemistry, for like everything for the flow.

“But we know that we got to continue building on this now.”

Kleber’s qualities are exactly what teams want every player to have. He always brings that same level of passion, hustle and will to win regardless of his role.

On Sunday, his influence was obvious, and whether Lakers fans see it nightly or not, his impact is palpable.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.